Fort Wayne Community Schools Pre-K and Kindergarten

New starts are always exciting. Health Services and your School Nurses are available to answer questions.

Coming to school well rested, clean and neat appears to provide a better beginning for students. As children grow there is a need for 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

Usually elementary school children will need parent help or supervision with bathing, shampooing, hand washing, teeth brushing, blowing noses and appropriate clothing choices for weather changes. Teaching these things will help build self-confidence. Good hygiene and clean clothing is important to develop positive self-esteem.

Be a positive role model for your child. Character is built one block at a time. Involve the family and friends. Make your beliefs known to your child. Ask your child about his/her own beliefs. Know what is important to your child. Demonstrate respect for others, compassion to those with less and a willingness to give of oneself.

Play with your child.... have a good time together. Laugh at each other’s mistakes and learn from them. Limit media (television, advertising and internet) exposure. Bedtime is a great time to spend twenty minutes or so reading with your child. Include health topics in those reading choices. Empower your child to educate others about healthful habits.

School nurses are advocates for children and parents. They expect your questions. They evaluate physical and mental concerns, and provide guidance when requested. Please feel free to contact your school nurse.

School Nurse

Communication is the key to keeping your child safe at school. Call you child’s school and establish a connection with the school nurse. Some nurses serve more than one school so their schedules may vary. You may talk with your school nurse during school hours (7:30AM-3:30PM or 8:00AM-4PM). (School Nurse)

Health Problems

You may notify the school nurse. Depending on the health problem (asthma, seizures, diabetes etc.), the school nurse will ask you for further information. You may be asked to complete specific health history and/or health problem care plans. It is very important to return this information in a timely fashion. Your health provider’s signature may be required on these health problems. Keeping your school nurse informed and your child39;s health care needs updated will provide a healthful learning atmosphere.

Medical Assistance

Health information can be accessed through your family health care provider or at a variety of other community resources. Information on children’s health and growth and development may be obtained at KidsHealth. Many children may qualify for a state medical insurance coverage program called Hoosier Healthwise. To find out about the plan and if your child may qualify visit the Family and Social Services Administration.

Keeping the Child Home

Children should be kept at home if they have the following: fevers above 100°, vomiting and/or diarrhea, rash with fever, eye infections with eye discharge, communicable diseases (scabies, impetigo, ringworm, head lice~ until treated appropriately), any illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in program activities or disrupts the other students39; participation, and illness that results in a need for care that is greater than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.

Note: It is recommended that children be fever free for 24 hours without the use of anti-fever medications (Tylenol®, ibuprofen, etc.) before returning to school.

Medication and Treatment Procedures

From time to time your child may be required to take medication during school hours. Parents, nurses and physicians are aware of the challenges that sometime occur when trying to balance learning, activities and medications. For this reason, we request that you discuss strategies with your health care provider in order to give medications at home. All prescription and/or over-the-counter medications must have signed Authorization for Administration of Medications at School forms on file prior to administration. Over-the-counter medications such as cough drops, nasal sprays, cough and cold medications must meet the same requirements as for other medications. In addition to the required form, herbal supplements are considered as medications and need written instructions signed by a physician prior to administration. (Permit/Forms)

Emergencies

Keeping the school and the nurse informed about changes in residence, telephone numbers (work and home), and emergency contacts is vital and the responsibility of the parent/guardian. We must be able to contact a parent/guardian or emergency contact during the school day. In case of an emergency involving your child, it is the policy of this school corporation to render first aid treatment while contacting the parents for further instructions. Only after reasonable efforts to reach the parents without success will we call a doctor and only in extreme cases will your child be taken to a hospital of 911 contacted.

Care of Illness

School nurses and the child’s health care provider may furnish parents with up to date information about the general care of illness. Following FWCS Health Service recommendations and guidelines, parents can determine when additional care is indicated, when to keep the child home and when to contact their health care provider. (Care of Illness)

Immunization News

Beginning in 2014-15 Kindergarten: The Indiana State Department of Health has informed school districts that all students in kindergarten must have 2 Hepatitis A vaccinations in addition to other required vaccines. Please click on the attachment under "newly enrolled" to see all immunizations that are required.